I was born and raised in Marshalltown, Iowa, graduated high school there and got my degree in journalism from Drake University. Right after college, I went to work for The Des Moines Register. Working my way through the ranks there, I eventually landed a spot writing features with an eye on pop culture and Gen X-related content. From there, I moved to Indianapolis, Ind. where I helped the Indianapolis Star start-up a Gen X publication called INtake Weekly. My husband and I missed Iowa and decided to move back home to be closer to family. We have three kids, a 5 year-old daughter and 3 year-old twins ( a daughter and son) and we've called West Des Moines home since 2004.
Personally, when and if I have spare time, I love to read, travel, write and spend time with friends. I've had my own personal blog for six years that tends to say a little too much about the crazy things my kids do. I haven't had a lot of time for myself since I became a stay-at-home mom in 2006 but my husband and I talk often about what the coming years might bring us in terms of free time once the kids start school. I'm so looking forward to it.
<i>At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs. This disclosure is not a license for them to inject their beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: We hope that the knowledge will make us mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.</i>
<b>Politics</b>
I won't lie - I'm not at all political. As a reporter for the mainstream media, we were discouraged from voicing our true opinions and were told never to divulge our affiliations so as to not bias our coverage. I got kind of used to that so I've never really been a squeaky wheel.
That said, I am a registered Democrat but I never vote a straight democratic ticket. I prefer to listen to the issues and tend to side with those who are more liberal.
<b>Religion</b>
I grew up Presbyterian and come from a long line of Presbyterians and yes, I am still a Presbyterian. What I like about my church and religion is that they welcome people of all backgrounds and never turn anyone away based on their personal beliefs. It's refreshing to be a part of a congregation that embraces everyone's differences.
<b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b>
Waukee is a growing at a rapid rate. In 2010, the city was clicking along at almost 14,000 residents up 169 percent from 10 years previous. Growth like that is bound to cause growing pains. Along those lines, some of the hot topics include how the schools handle an ever-increasing student body, how to accomodate new business, and how the city will follow through on projects meant to bring in more business, more residents and consequently, more growth.
Author Monica Lee will discuss her first book, "The Percussionist's Wife: A Memoir of Sex, Crime & Betrayal," Saturday at the Waukee Public Library.
Looking for a new home in Waukee? Check out what's new on the market this week.
Some major businesses around Waukee salute our service men and women with special deals year-round, as well as on Veterans Day.
Waukee police responded to multiple reports of theft in Waukee last week.
Members of the central committees from both Polk and Dallas counties met tonight at a special nominating convention to choose a Republican nominee in Senate District 22. The vacancy was created by Sen. Pat Ward's death last month.
Veterans Day is on Sunday, Nov. 11, but is being observed by many today.
Members of the central committees from both Polk and Dallas counties will meet tonight at a special nominating convention to choose a Republican nominee in Senate District 22.
Brookview Elementary is asking for donations for "All for Books," a program helping kids and teachers in need.
As the cold draws near, the Aloft Gallery in the barn at LT Organic Farm starts wrapping up its season with a Holiday Open House.
Waukee Theatre Arts will present William Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing," Nov. 9 & 10 at the Theatre Arts Center at Prairieview School.
Waukee police responded to multiple reports of criminal mischief last week.
Students on the Teen Advisory Board at the Waukee Public Library joined together Oct. 31 to recreate Michael Jackson's "Thriller" in Waukee.
Think you might have missed something over the weekend? No worries. We've got you covered.
Iowa may have voted Obama but Waukee was predominantly Romney country.
Rob Taylor, a Republican from West Des Moines, has won a seat in the Iowa House District 44. Taylor was running against West Des Moines firefighter Eric Brenneman.
Waukee police arrested a 17 year-old male last week on possession of marijuana.
If you haven't yet cast your vote, you might want to double check your polling place. Precinct workers say there's been some confusion since redistricting.
You can't make this kind of stuff up. Here's the latest and greatest from Craigslist/Waukee.
Police responded to two reports of burglary at two separate construction sites in Waukee last week.
Republican vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan made a final stop in Iowa Monday with a rally at Elliott Aviation in Des Moines.
